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CRT to Planter Upcycle: Introduction & Materials

About: Graduate from Lehigh University with majors in Chemical Engineering and Business. Recently enrolled in the Technology Entrepreneurship Masters Program also at Lehigh University.
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Hi Folks!

If your reading right now its hopefully because your interested in upcycling an old CRT computer monitor into something like you see above. This project is GREEN in quite a few ways including the fact that your creating something to grow flowers out of. CRT monitors are very bulky and as a result don't get recycled properly. Following a few SIMPLE steps, I will show you how to safely disassemble your CRT monitor, and turn it into a retro planter for indoor OR out.

At some points in the guide, the procedure may vary slightly seeing as there are hundreds of types of monitor manufacturers and each is build a little different than the other. Also keep in mind that the aesthetics of your planter is completely at your discretion.

Step 1: Disassembling the Rear Half

Removing the rear portion of the case.
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We will begin by removing the rear portion of the CRT case. To start, lay the CRT monitor down on its side preferably on top of something sturdy like a work bench. Next using a phillips head screwdriver, remove the two screws holding the plastic case on. The screws should be located on the bottom of the monitor near the screen.

Now, stand the monitor back upright. Look for plastic clips that are holding the rear portion of the case onto the front screen portion. Using a flat head screw driver push the clips down and slide the plastic case backwards. With a little bit of jiggling back and forth the case should come loose and slide off.
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Step 2: Disassembling the Front Half

Removing the front portion of the case.
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Begin by locating the screws holding the CRT vacuum housing onto the front panel. On my monitor there were 6 small screws. Remove these screws using a phillips head screw driver. After removing the last one, the front screen will drop downwards so make sure there is a sturdy surface under it.

NOTE: Removing the CRT from the monitor casing (which is the part we would like to use) can be DANGEROUS as you always risk electric shock when dealing with old electronics that may have charged capacitors. In this guide I do NOT open the CRT tube or cut ANY wires, thus the shock danger is relatively low if you follow my procedure. If you would like to dismantle fully your CRT into its circuit board components, I suggest you view fellow member thermoelectric's guide: https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-safely-disassemble-a-CRT-monitor/
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Step 3: Assembly and Paint Prep.

Putting the case back together.
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Now that we have both halves of the case freed, we can put them back together and begin assembling and decorating the planter. Insert the clips on the rear portion back together with the slots on the front bezel and screw the two screws back in to hold it all together. Now you can remove all the labels or anything you don't want to show on your planter.

OPTIONAL
I wanted to paint my planter so I took some very fine (320) grit sandpaper and sanded the entire surface by hand.
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Step 4: Paint and Decoration**

Painting and decorating.
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The next step is completely optional. I decided to spray paint my CRT planter an organic "clay" color and accent it with aqua blue. After spraying and letting it dry, you may use any material you please to cover any large holes.

My monitor had a large hole on the bottom and I decided to use plexiglass material to cover it. To attach the cover piece (which i painted blue) I used some common super glue. I let this piece dry in place so that it would not move or crack during the rest of the project.
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Step 5: Attaching the Feet

Attaching the feet
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In this last step, we will turn the planted upside down so the bottom is facing up. We want to attach the 4 90 degree corner brackets to the bottom corners of the monitor to ensure it won't tip over when weighed down with plants. To do this, start by using a small piece of metal and a hammer to punch small holes in the corner pieces. each corner will be attached by two screws into the sides of the monitor.
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Step 6: Prepare for Flowers!

Prepare for Flowers
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The next step is to add some soil and plants to the inside. If you want to use the planter indoors, then it is probably smart to attach a black plastic garbage bag to the inside before filling it with soil. I attached large black plastic garbage bags I found to the inside clips of the CRT screen. This is necessary to hold the bag in place while you fill it with soil!
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Step 7: Soil & Flowers

Soil & Flowers
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Now we are ready to fill with soil! I used "Miracle Grow: Moisture Control" which I also got from Home Depot. I decided to plant a nice colorful outdoor plant so it will be able to get plenty of sun. The small vine plants are nice touches to sag over the edges of the monitor.

Fill the monitor with soil till about 5 inches from the top. Now you can pull the plant out of the plastic case it comes in and stick it into the middle of the monitor. After placing the plant and making sure all the flowers are sticking out, go ahead and fill it with more soil. Be warned! The monitor will be HEAVY after you fill it with soil, so be near your final destination before you fill.

Step 8: VOILA!

Your ALL DONE! Now you have a fully functioning and BEAUTIFUL planter sitting out front your home for all neighbors to see.

An additional step can be to cut a small hole in your plastic bags at the bottom to allow any water to drain.

Please contact me at denizpa@gmail.com with any questions and feel free to comment below!